The Five-Week Northern Lights Celebration Is One Of Maine's Most Magical Holiday Events
By Michelle|Updated on November 10, 2023(Originally published November 02, 2023)
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
Every season in Maine is fantastic, but winter is especially magical. From incredible cold-weather hikes to restaurants that are extra cozy when the temperatures dip, we think Vacationland might just be the best place to be after autumn. There are quite a few reasons to love winter here, but one of the highest on my list is Christmas. And, best of all, each year there are several events taking place throughout the state to help celebrate. From simply enjoying get-togethers with friends and family to taking part in special events hosted by local Maine towns, there are seemingly endless ways to get into the holiday spirit. We encourage you to explore all of them, but a Freeport Maine Christmas might just be our favorite.
There's a reason Mainers look forward to the Northern Lights event in Freeport every year! It's one of the most magical Christmas events in the state. It typically begins in mid-November and runs through the end of December. That's five beautiful weeks of holiday cheer while celebrating Christmas in Maine.
The fun kicks off at opening night on Friday, November 17, 4-8 p.m. with a tree lighting ceremony at 6:45 p.m. The tree is located just outside the L.L. Bean Flagship Store.
Children and adults alike gathered together to partake in a bit of holiday magic.
Visitors can also enjoy "Holidays Around the World" where visitors are invited to scan codes to learn more about how holidays are celebrated all over the world.
Each day of the week offers another fun activity to enjoy. On Mondays be sure to bring your pet for a photo op with Santa. From Fridays to Sundays, you can visit with Santa and his reindeer in the Holiday Activity Barn. The other days of the week also offer fun events including crafts and even a curling demonstration.
From December 1st through 10th, Visit Freeport hosts the annual Sparkle Celebration which kicks off with a Parade of Lights down Main Street. Freeport is one of the best Christmas towns in Maine, so you'll definitely want to check this out.
If it gets chilly be sure to visit the Warming benches. It offers a place to meet with friends and enjoy a cozy respite from the cold. We were surprised just how warm these benches were offering a great place to sit and still enjoy the lights without having to retreat inside.
Every couple of years L.L. Bean switches things up a bit, in years past they have had a massive singing Christmas tree, a cozy igloo, and an ice rink. This year they will be adding curling to the list of revolving attractions and allow guests to partake in a unique sport they may have never tried before.
Those who love the whimsical parts of the holidays will appreciate the model train village inside the L.L. Bean store. It's set in a quintessential New England town allowing for even more imagination.
There are events taking place throughout the entirety of this beautiful event, but whatever you do be sure to visit Santa and his reindeer! They sit right outside and love little visitors.
There's so much more to experience during the Northern Lights festival, so you might want to visit a few times leading up to Christmas. But if you only have time for one weekend, be sure to make it there for the kick-off and lighting! It's an experience you won't forget.
Check out just how magical this place is by watching this Adventuring in the Moment video. We hope it inspires you to get outside and venture over to this enchanting attraction.
The Northern Lights Celebration takes place at the L.L. Bean Flagship store in Freeport from November 17th through December 31st, 2023. You can learn more about all the ways you can enjoy your time for those magical five weeks by visiting the Northern Lights Celebration website. You can also follow L.L. Bean on Facebook to keep up with the schedule of events or to simply start planning your visit.
After enjoying time in one of the best Christmas towns in Maine, be sure to make your way to Boothbay for Gardens Aglow at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit while being awed by over 650,000 lights. But, be sure to bundle up in something warm. This walk is beautiful, but can certainly get chilly if it’s cold outside.
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Freeport Maine Christmas,
Michelle S. |November 02, 2023
What will winter be like in Maine this year?
Winter in Maine is predicted to be frigid, according to the Farmers' Almanac. While the state is undoubtedly accustomed to chilly temps, residents and visitors might want to prepare for a chillier-than-normal season. The state can expect to see higher-than-average snowfall and lower-than-average temperatures.
Should I go hiking in winter in Maine?
You should definitely go hiking in winter in Maine. This is one of the most gorgeous times of year and there are quite a few winter trails that are perfect to explore. Here are a few to try:
The Osgood Trail, Blue Hill: This 2-mile, round-trip hike is beautiful no matter the weather and offers seemingly endless views over the water.
The Wonderland Trail, Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island: This 1.6-mile out-and-back trail is considered simple to follow due to its minimal elevation gain. It leads to the ocean making it perfect for those who want to take in the local water views.
The Christmas Forest Trail, Perry: Located near the Canadian border this small town offers one of the most magical walk-through light displays in the state. While not a true "hike," visitors will walk a ¼ mile trail filled with over 50,000 lights.